I had my front and rear lights blinking, and I had the right of way as the traffic light was green on my side of the intersection. Washington circle is right in front of GW University hospital with app. 6 streets entering into it, including an extended off ramp from Whitehurst freeway. Traffic within the circle, however has the right of the way as clearly marked with signs installed on each intersection.
Granted it was night, 10:30 to be exact, but yielding and focusing on everything around you, especially while driving is typically a must.....correct?
I was riding on Pennsylvania Ave heading east away from Georgetown; both lights on the corner of Penn and 23rd as well as the traffic light entering into the circle were both green, so I clearly had the right of way. Upon entering the circle, traffic on my right side entering from the ramp extension into the circle, the car in front of dumbass saw me but realized that he was far enough that he could enter quickly and safely without hitting me. Mr. Dumbass did not even bother to look around, he did slow down in the mouth of the entry but did not look; as soon as I passed his vehicle, he struck me made me crash into the ground, damaging my Mavic rear wheels, bent the rear derailleur hanger and a couple of adjustments went off. My bar tape torn, perhaps handlebar bent......thus far the Carbon Fiber frame on my Bianchi 928 SL is straight and intact....at least according to Mike at Cycle Life bike shop in Georgetown. Most importantly, I came out with very minor bruises and no lasting injuries.
The Dumbass would not have stopped if I didn't make him pullover; I literally had to yell and shout to make him pullover.
His excuse? He didn't see me.............clearly not realizing that DC has been overrun by a lot of cyclists.....the days of driving like an asshole is over.
